8.2. Views — Windows to Your Data

Views are one of the more powerful features available in the SQL procedure. They are commonly referred to as “virtual tables” to distinguish them from base tables. The simple difference is that views are not tables, but files consisting of executable instructions. As a query, a view appears to behave as a table with one striking difference — it does not store any data. When referenced, a view produces results just like a table does. So how does a view get its data? Views access data from one or more underlying tables (base tables) or other views, provide you with your own personal access to data, and can be used in DATA steps as well as by SAS procedures.

Views offer improved control, manageability, and security ...

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